Polysubstance use profiles among US adults using Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A latent class analysis using The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

Background and Objectives Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) use is associated with polysubstance use (PSU) and use disorders. However, additional research on PSU heterogeneity in populations using this novel psychoactive substance is necessary. The authors investigated patterns of past 12-month PSU among US adults reporting past 12-month use of kratom and at least one additional substance. Methods Latent class models were fit using 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data which was collected from 412 US adults reporting past 12-month use of kratom and at least one of 11 additional substances. Results Three distinct profiles were identified: marijuana/alcohol/tobacco (63.3%), marijuana/alcohol/tobacco + psychedelics (19.3%), and marijuana/alcohol/tobacco + psychedelics/heroin/prescriptions (17.4%). Conclusions and Scientific Significance This is the first epidemiological study in which a latent class analysis was used to identify unique PSU profiles among US adults using kratom and other substances. Understanding the profiles of people using kratom in relation to the use of other drugs might help guide screening interventions, treatment needs, and policy.

Automated summary

This study used latent class analysis to investigate patterns of polysubstance use among kratom users. Three distinct profiles were identified, providing valuable information for screening interventions and policy-making.